31. Sir J. D. REESasked the Secretary of State for War whether any existing authority at important provincial centres or capitals of counties can be charged with the duty of answering questions by, and giving information to, the relations of soldiers seeking demobilisation, and directly or indirectly to such soldiers themselves?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs the answer is somewhat lengthy I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ The following is the answer referred to:
§ A Department of the War Office in London has been in existence for a considerable time for the purpose of inter- 2884 viewing soldiers and their relatives. Those who are able to attend personally should call at the War Office, Mobilisation (Mob. 12), Bridgewater House, Cleveland Square, St. James, S.W. 1. Those not able to do so may communicate by letter with the same Department. The total numbers interviewed to date by this inquiry bureau are 3,477 officers and 17,392 other ranks and civilians. Serving soldiers may also obtain all necessary information from their commanding officers, who are in possession of full instructions. This is a more desirable procedure in their case as the work of the Departments concerned is already very considerable. In these circumstances I see no necessity for placing these duties on authorities in the provinces. I know of no existing provincial authority who could undertake them, and I think it would be impracticable to set up authorities specially for this purpose.